The 8-Bit Prospective- "Whip it good!"

The 8-Bit Prospective- "Whip it good!"

When you hear the name "Dracula", you might likely call to mind the famous novel written by Bram Stoker, or maybe the numerous movies or TV shows featuring the blood-sucking antagonist. For years, the story of Count Dracula has been told many times over, with different spins of how he wrecked havoc on normal humans and such things. I dare say that there isn't a person on Earth who hasn't heard of the guy...at least once in the course of their lifetime. So given the popularity of this character, it was only natural that Dracula would eventually be featured in video games in the mid-to-late 80's, when gaming found a new life on the Nintendo Entertainment System. And sure enough, in 1987, Konami released Castlevania-- a game that featured a whip wielding hero on a mission to defend the local townsfolk and stop Dracula's bite for good...or so he hoped.
I vaguely remember seeing my brother and a friend of his take turns playing the early sections of Castlevania back sometime in 1990. I especially remember catching episodes of Captain N, featuring a poorly drawn [and worse characterized] Simon Belmont. Between watching the show and looking at screen shots of the latest game in the series in those Nintendo Power hint books, I always wanted to play Konami's vampire hunting series for myself. I finally found the game a few years back, after doing a little bit of digging around in the local game stores, looking for another great game to add to my NES collection. After playing it time and time again, there was no question in my mind as to why this series was so highly regarded back when it was first introduced those many years ago, and still carries a good reputation to this day.

**Story has been taken directly from the instruction manual.**

Good Eeeevening!

Step into the shadows of the deadliest dwelling on earth. You've arrived at Castlevania, and you're here on business:

To destroy forever the Curse of the Evil Count.

Unfortunately, everybody's home this evening. Bat, ghosts, every kind of creature you can imagine. You'll find 'em all over the place, if they don't find you first.

Because you've got to get through six monstrous floors before you even meet up with the Master of the House. Your Magic Whip will help, and you'll probably find a weapon or two along the way.

But once you make it to the tower, you can count on a Duel to the Death. The Count has waited 100 years for a rematch. He's ready. Are you?

Starting off, the game lets you know that a serious undertaking is ahead, showing Simon preparing to enter Dracula's castle, followed by a little sound effect confirming your suspicion of such when you actually go into the brick structure. From there, the action keeps on rolling and rarely lets up for very long. You'll have to help Simon battle zombies, bats, walking skeletons and sewer creatures known as "Fishmen"-- just to name a few. Enemies like the zombies or bats are the easiest to get rid of, as they are among the weakest of your foes. Of course, as any game would have it, that all changes as you advance further in the game. So in turn, you're going to need the right equipment to have the most ease in getting through the castle.
Simon starts out with his trusty whip, which can be powered up twice by destroying candles or normal enemies along the way. With each power up, Simon's whip gets longer, which will help you out greatly in those times when it's more conducive to attack from a distance. There's also a good selection of secondary items that can be used during your character's journey. You'll be able to utilize such weapons as the Dagger, Axe, Holy Water, Stop Watch, and Boomerang. Other helpful items include the Cross and Chain, a weapon that clears the screen of all enemies, and the Gold Fluid, a jug of liquid that makes Simon invincible for a very brief moment (about 10 seconds, give or take).
Simon has stamina points that get drained every time you use one of your secondary items. Stamina can be restored by collecting hearts from candles or fallen enemies just like all the other items in the game. Also, Simon's health bar can be restored by finding Roast Beef dinners hidden in the faulty bricks in the castle. I guess we should give Dracula some respect for at least being kind enough to feed our hero before he makes an attempt on Simon's life in a very painful way. Of course, only Dracula would be evil enough to hide these instant meals in the walls of his castle. Believe me, you'll be hard pressed to find this life-giving food as you progress through the castle, unless you've probed this game for all it's worth...or maybe use a strategy guide. Regardless, it's fun to discover these things on your own when you least expect it. Makes for a more challenging game.

Speaking of challenge, almost every section in the game presents its own particular tough spot. Some areas can be a bit daunting to pass through when you have to jump across chasms or water, while fighting off enemies conveniently placed in your path. But that's really just a minor irritant, compared to what's in store in the later levels. The major difficulties mostly come from the stronger common enemies, such as the Skeleton Snake, which block hallways and takes about 6 hits to kill with your whip. It doesn't help that the monster follows your every movement and spits fire that's difficult to avoid.
The bosses at the end of each section are no walk in the park to kill either. You'll be going up against likes of Madusa, twin Mummies, Frankenstein & Igor and a few more foes, including the dude with the master fang-- Count Dracula! *Thunder crackles and lighting flashes*. I can tell you right now that, in most cases, the Holy Water or Stop Watch will prove to be your best friend in a tight spot. Make sure you have enough stamina points to use them.
As difficult as this game can get, Konami did well in placing a couple of continue points in each section that you'll be traveling though in every level. In addition, you have unlimited continues at your disposal. The only downside this is that you're forced to start at the very beginning of that particular level, when using a continue. Even so, it's way better than only having a few chances to "get it right", or start the whole game all over again. Can you say "power switch off?"

Admittedly, the controls are a mixed bag. While on foot, Simon moves with ease and looks just fine. That changes a bit though, when he has to jump to different platforms. Part of the problem is that you can't change direction while in the air, which means big time trouble if you suddenly have second thoughts about taking that leap just a second ago. It also would be have nice if Simon could strike with the whip a little faster too. This is really just a personal gripe, but he seems to attack maybe a half second slower between hits than I'm comfortable with at times. Also, when Simon takes a hit, he gets knocked backwards by about an inch. This presents a real challenge because enemies will constantly be a threat to your crossing platforms...especially when you're on a short one with little or no room to safely dodge their attacks.
On a more positive note, the controller configuration is very easy and simple to use. This is very good because you'll likely need to focus all of your concentration past those difficulties mentioned earlier. No complaints here.

Konami did a great job with the graphics in Castlevania. Every area truly captures how a person would usually imagine what a European castle of the 1800's would look like. Huge windows in the background, candles lining the walls, piles of bones in the basement dungeon-- it all looks authentic and is enjoyable to take in. Everything has an overall dark look and feel to it, which really shows up best when you reach the higher outside areas of the castle. You'll see overgrown vines and moss that line the outer walls, along with broken statues sitting on old ledges and extending catacombs that are present in the background. Not to be overlooked are the color patterns that Konami used in each area. It's very easy to distinguish which objects can be interacted with, or where you need to jump, and Simon will always be easy to spot, should you take eyes off the screen for a moment These details are outstanding for a Ninendo game of its time. I think it's safe to say that Castlevania was far ahead of the other games in terms of the overall presentation and visual mood of the game.

Another high point for Castlevania is the quality audio that this game has. From start to finish, each tune selection is well composed and really goes well the whole Dracula storyline. In fact the often moody music goes hand in hand with the wonderful graphics mentioned above. It's somewhat rare that these two things in particular fit together as well they do in this game. My personal favorite is the music in the third level. It just sounds really cool, in my opinion.
The sound effects hold up just as nicely too. You'll hear all the usual 8-bit Konami-type FX here. Mostly high pitched, bouncy sound effects add a lighthearted balance to the overall serious feel of the game. And really, Konami has always been very good at providing a nice audio experience in many of the games that they've produced over the years. Castlevania is certainly no slacker here either.

Report Card

Gameplay: A

Controls: B

Graphics: A

Sound: A

Replay: B-

Overall: A

Castlevania is truly an outstanding game from Konami. Despite the few irritations that can be found in this game, it doesn't take anything away from the better parts of this fine title. Since 1987, Castlevania has seen sequels across a great span of game consoles, including the Sega Genesis, Playstation, and PS2 systems. In fact, I'm pretty sure that this is one of the longest running series that's still relevant to the gaming community today. In fact, it eclipses other well know games like EA's Madden NFL and even the Final Fantasy series. With these things firmly in mind, you might want to hunt down a copy of this game for your NES collection. It's definitely worth having and is also a great way to see how one of the most popular names in gaming history got its start.

Konami booklets

Yes, I love it when I can find the instruction manual to accompany my NES Konami games! I always enjoy looking at the hand-drawn characters and screenshots. I think the Castlevania III manual actually does name the roast beef as "Leg of Werewolf"...I ought to know since I have the manual, but I don't remember if it's in there or not for sure. I'll have to check it when I get home from work.

i wish i could've played it...

Of Vampyres and Such Blood-Sucking Folk

I think my favorite thing about the Castlevania series is the fact that you use a whip. I mean, this is the same weapon those hookers in Streets of Rage used, and now you're using it to kick Dracula's ass. So sweet.

Anyway, I know I haven't been commenting a lot Jamie, and I apologize--but that's because I was on that slow-as-a-backwards-turtle dial-up connection. Now, however, I've finally upgraded, and navigating 1up is a snap! I'll be contributing a lot more in the future. :)

Ah, Castlevania...

...they've literally made so many games that many of the newer ones actually take place in the future, from what I understand. Most of them have to be spread out by 100 years, time-wise (there are of course plenty of exceptions) but it's niftier that way. Man, I probably couldn't even count how many Castlevania games there are now.

The first Castlevania was friggin' difficult, in my opinion. I was able to beat the 2nd and 3rd games (Dracula's Curse rules!) but never the first one.

Hmmm...

Really? I haven't played Castlevania 2 or 3 long enough to see how easy or difficulat they are in the later stages. Now I don't feel so bad that I could never finish the first one. I can get to the very end of the 3rd level...on a good day, that is.

Too little, too late for me.

I grew up never playing the game. I've actually given it a shot years back in my college days, but I couldn't tolerate it. It's really disappointing when the mainstream hypes it up to the point that when you see the thing for yourself, it just doesn't live up to the hype.

I wasn't totally deprived from the platformer revolution, though. My game? Ninja Gaiden, Baby!! I think I'm gonna do a comparison review....but maybe not. I was never a fan of vampirism...I liked ninja more. But, the premise is the same (Tecmo, you're such a biter!!). Short range weapon, grab items from stationary objects, magic....I didn't miss the action!

Thanks

Well I'm glad that you all enjoy reading my reviews. I'd really like to be write about games as a full time job. There have been a couple of smalltime website that were interested in my writings, but they never panned out to anything significant. In fact, my reviews never got posted and I can tell that these people aren't really serious about keeping up their website.

I'd be cool if could write about old and new games for a bigtime magazine or website, but I'm also trying to be realistic and realized that that these things aren't just going to fall into my hands one day. I guess I just gotta trying to get my stuff out there.
Plus, while I feel that my reviews are good, I'm sure the "real" professionals out there see ways that I could be better.

Anyway, I hope to continue to writing pleasing reviews for most of the people that time out of their day to read them.